The primary cultivatable area is a section of mountainous terrain that was clearcut in the 90s. It is a South facing slope with a grade of 12-30%. From a timber value perspective, it would benefit from trimming. I believe there is also scope for food production within that area. I also believe that thinning could provide a short term source of income and/or building materials for cultivation. I am not open to clearcutting any large section of the land.
This property is in the interior rain forest and is generally dominated by Cedar, Douglas-Fir, Hemlock, Birch, and Cottonwood tree species. The terrain is mountainous, but near the valley bottom and receives plenty of moisture (most years...). Regions of the property support water-loving species such as devil's club and the entire property supports a wide variety of fungi. The overall property is split into 4 parts 1. A comparatively flat section of land straddled between the highway and the lake. This section of property has some unknown history but I would be worried about soil contamination and would not recommend farming it. That said, this section has good road access and power. 2. A ~10 acre section of forest that was clearcut in the 90s and further described above. This is the section of primary consideration for agroforestry. 3. A canyon with a creek through a much older forest but is steep and relatively inaccessible. 4. A steeper wooded section with large trees (~30" DBH) that is steep (40-50% grade) and difficult to access even by foot.
My long term vision for the land is to cultivate a productive forest in an environmentally sensitive way that promotes biodiversity. I don't define "productive" to be strictly monetary. I believe the intentional human intervention can improve the land for food production, timber production, and wildlife. I am looking for a partnership with someone who is willing to take on that challenge with me. I have owned the land for 6 years and have made slower progress than I wished largely because I am currenlty based in Vancouver. I expect to be there for ~10 years yet for family reasons, but otherwise I am based out of Sicamous. I have worked with friends in forestry and mycology to get a better understanding of the land. We acquired LiDAR data of the whole property and can map the trees and topology accurately for planning purposes. I also know where a wide variety natural berry (Primarily huckleberry and blueberry) and mushrooms can be foraged (Chantarelle, Pine, Hericium, Lobster, etc.) . I am especially interested in ideas that can maximize the productivity of those resources. I believe the timber value of the property is a valuable asset and am willing to include it as a component of a viable plan. That said, I do not want large scale logging and am particularly adverse to heavy machinery that destroys the soil layer. Any proposed plans should allow a long term view of the timber harvesting as well as integrate food production. I am open to more general ideas, including the cultivation of non-native food species, but will want a viable plan for how they will be managed. As an aside, mushrooms from this property have been used in documentaries and peer-reviewed papers. I am open to research collaborations and ideas that push the limits of what agroforestry could look like.